Negative Mammogram Research Articles

Supplementary Breast Ultrasound Screening in Asian Women with Negative But Dense Mammograms—A Pilot Study

Dense breasts are common in Asian women and they limit the sensitivity of mammography. This study evaluates the performance of supplementary breast ultrasound screening in Asian women with dense mammograms. The study was approved by the hospital's Institutional Review Board. A prospective clinical trial was performed between September 2002 and November 2004. Asymptomatic Asian women with negative and dense mammograms were offered supplementary ultrasound screening for breast cancer. Ultrasound assessment was categorised as U1 to U4. U1 and U2 cases were recommended routine interval screening mammography. U3 cases were recommended follow-up ultrasound in 6 months and routine interval screening mammography and U4 cases were recommended biopsy. One hundred and forty-one women with mean age of 45.1 years were enrolled into the study. Mean scan time was 13.0 minutes (± 5.6 minutes) for bilateral vs 11.0 minutes (± 1.4 minutes) for unilateral scans. There were 10 patients and 14 patients in the in the U3 and U4 categories, respectively. Two U4 category patients were diagnosed with malignancy-a-6 mm ductal carcinoma-in-situ and a 13- mm invasive ductal carcinoma. The breast cancer detection rate was 1.4%. Sensitivity and specifi city were 100% (2/2) and 88.5% (92/104) respectively. The positive predictive value was 14.3% (2/14) and the negative predictive value was 100% (92/92). This pilot study reveals the usefulness of supplementary ultrasound screening in detecting early stage mammographically and clinically occult breast cancers in Asian women with dense breasts. A larger long-term study is, however, needed to assess its feasibility and impact on breast cancer prognosis.

Is There a Role for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosing Palpable Breast Masses When Mammogram and Ultrasound Are Negative?

The use of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for screening high-risk patients is well established. However, the role of MRI as a diagnostic problem-solving tool is less well studied. With the increasing availability of MRI, its use for problem solving has increased. This small retrospective study examines the use and utility of breast MRI in evaluating palpable breast masses with negative diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound studies. We reviewed our breast MRI database, selecting breast MRI studies performed to assess palpable abnormalities with negative mammogram and ultrasound findings. Evidence of cancer was determined by biopsy. Seventy-seven studies were included, comprising 1.3% of all breast MRI studies performed at our institution during the study period (2005-2011). Twenty-two patients underwent biopsy, and 55 were followed clinically without biopsy. Approximately half (27 of 55) of the patients without biopsy were lost to follow-up after negative MRI, and the rest had no evidence of cancer on imaging or clinical examination at 1 year. Of the 22 patients who underwent biopsy, 2 were diagnosed with cancer, both with positive MRI studies. Sensitivity of MRI when compared to tissue diagnosis was 100%, and specificity was 70%. Positive and negative predictive values were 25% and 100%, respectively. When used for evaluation of a palpable breast mass with negative traditional imaging, breast MRI likely offers low yield of cancer diagnosis and low specificity. Negative MRI results may cause a low compliance rate for recommended follow-up. Because a biopsy is indicated for persistent palpable masses, the addition of diagnostic MRI only adds another step, with associated costs and burdens.

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Status and Interval Breast Cancer in a Population-Based Cancer Registry Study

To determine whether human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) -positive status is associated with risk of breast cancer diagnosis in the interval between mammographic screening, we estimated the distribution of features of aggressive tumor behavior in a general population with newly diagnosed breast cancer and known screening status. We evaluated all invasive breast cancers (N = 641) that were systematically collected by the Parma Province Cancer Registry and diagnosed in women age 50 to 69 years from 2004 to 2007. From this population, 292 screen-detected cancers and 48 interval cases with negative screening mammograms on expert rereading (true interval cancers) were selected for study purposes. Unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age and tumor size was used to determine whether interval cancers were associated with selected clinicobiologic characteristics. Tumors with a high histologic grade (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.8), high proliferative rate (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.5), negative estrogen receptor status (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1), or HER2-positive status (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.7 to 7.1) were more likely to be diagnosed in the interval between screening. Women age less than 60 years with HER2-positive breast cancer were four times more likely to be diagnosed in the interval between screening compared with only a two-fold increased risk for older women. This population-based cancer registry study demonstrated that HER2-positive tumors account for a substantial proportion of mammographic screening failure. The distribution of biologic characteristics in screen-detected cancers differs from that observed in interval cancers and may account in part for the more aggressive behavior of interval-detected cases.

Abstract 5489: Feasibility study of gut microbiome collection in randomly sampled women

Abstract Systemic estrogen level strongly determines risk for postmenopausal breast cancer (BC). We hypothesize that differences in hormone metabolism by the gut microbiota may contribute to BC risk by modulating enterohepatic circulation of estrogens. We conducted a study to determine the feasibility of enrolling healthy postmenopausal members of Kaiser Permanente Colorado (KPCO) in a fecal microbiome study. With electronic medical records, we created a pool of potentially eligible women aged 55-69 who recently had a negative screening mammogram. We excluded those with any hormone prescription in the prior 12 months, an antibiotic prescription in the prior 6 months, or history of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions likely to affect fecal microbiota. A packet (invitation letter, informed consent form, information pamphlet, and opt-out postcard) was sent to 250 randomly sampled women. Women who have not returned the postcard are contacted by KPCO research staff to determine interest in participating, verify eligibility, and obtain verbal informed consent. Consented participants were mailed a second packet with a self-administered risk factor questionnaire, link to an on-line diet questionnaire, collection kit for urine (to measure 15 estrogens) and stool specimens, and shipping instructions to the laboratory. Enrollees have spent an estimated 1-2 hours completing all recruitment and data collection components. To date, 60 (24%) have enrolled, 70 (28%) refused (most via the opt-out card), and the remainder are pending phone contact. As shown in the table, the enrolled women are similar to the total sample; slightly more of them are non-Hispanic white, and they are more likely to have a history of breast biopsy. These data demonstrate that we can successfully recruit an apparently representative sample of women into a microbiome study. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5489. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5489

Evaluation of Molecular Breast Imaging in Women Undergoing Myocardial Perfusion Imaging with Tc-99m Sestamibi

Our objective was to explore the potential benefits of molecular breast imaging (MBI) as a screening technique in women undergoing stress myocardial perfusion studies. MBI was offered to women receiving Tc-99m sestamibi injection for myocardial perfusion stress testing. During the required waiting period after stress isotope injection, MBI was performed using a dedicated breast imaging gamma camera system. MBI examinations were interpreted by breast radiologists, with review of a recent mammogram in cases with positive MBI. Of 322 women enrolled, 313 completed MBI, comprising 5 with known breast cancer, 2 with known high-risk benign breast lesions, and 306 who were asymptomatic for breast disease with a recent negative mammogram. Analysis was limited to the 306 patients with no known breast disease. MBI was positive in 22 of 306, giving a recall rate of 7.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8-10.6]. MBI detected 4 new cancers, resulting in a supplemental diagnostic yield of 13.1/1000 women screened (95% CI 5.1-33.2). The number of cancers diagnosed per abnormal MBI examinations (PPV(1)) was 18% (4 of 22) (95% CI 7.3-38.5), and the number diagnosed per MBI-prompted biopsies (PPV(3)) was 44% (4 of 9) (95% CI 18.9-73.3). The addition of MBI to clinically indicated stress myocardial perfusion imaging studies in women results in a high diagnostic yield of newly detected breast cancers while generating a low rate of additional unnecessary workup.

Abnormal axillary lymph-nodes on negative mammograms: causes except breast cancer

Enlargement of lymph nodes can be due to a variety of benign and malignant causes. The most common malignant cause is invasive ductal carcinoma, which is usually visualized with mammography. Excluding breast cancer, other causes of abnormal lymph nodes that produce a negative mammogram include lymphoma, metastases from other malignancies, and benign etiologies such as inflammatory processes, infectious diseases, collagen vascular diseases, and miscellaneous causes. In this essay, we described common causes of abnormal axillary lymph nodes on negative mammograms excluding breast cancer.

Results of a Multicenter Patient Registry to Determine the Clinical Impact of Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging, a Molecular Breast Imaging Technique

Molecular breast imaging techniques, such as breast-specific gamma imaging, are increasingly being used as adjunctive diagnostic technologies to mammography and ultrasound. This multicenter clinical patient registry was designed to quantify the impact of this modality on the management of the breast patient population in clinical practice and to identify the subgroups of patients benefiting from its use. There were 1042 patients included in this analysis, and breast-specific gamma imaging typically was recommended when the patient had at least two of the following indications: equivocal or negative mammogram or sonogram and an unresolved clinical concern; personal history of breast cancer or current cancer diagnosis; palpable masses negative on mammographic and sonographic examination; radiodense breast tissue; or high risk for breast cancer. Pathologic analysis or follow-up imaging, if biopsy was not conducted, was used as the reference standard, and lesions were classified as positive (i.e., malignant or high risk) in 250 cases and as negative (i.e., benign) in 792 cases. Breast-specific gamma imaging was positive in 408 patients (227 malignant or high-risk lesions requiring additional intervention), negative in 634 patients (23 with malignant or high-risk lesions), and indeterminate in 69 patients (all benign lesions). Breast-specific gamma imaging had an overall sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 77%. Breast-specific gamma imaging significantly contributed to the detection of malignant or high-risk lesions in patients with negative or indeterminate mammographic findings, and it provided improved management when compared with ultrasound.

A computer aided detection framework for mammographic images using fisher linear discriminant and nearest neighbor classifier

Today, mammography is the best method for early detection of breast cancer. Radiologists failed to detect evident cancerous signs in approximately 20% of false negative mammograms. False negatives have been identified as the inability of the radiologist to detect the abnormalities due to several reasons such as poor image quality, image noise, or eye fatigue. This paper presents a framework for a computer aided detection system that integrates Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Fisher Linear Discriminant (FLD), and Nearest Neighbor Classifier (KNN) algorithms for the detection of abnormalities in mammograms. Using normal and abnormal mammograms from the MIAS database, the integrated algorithm achieved 93.06% classification accuracy. Also in this paper, we present an analysis of the integrated algorithm’s parameters and suggest selection criteria.

Clinically palpable breast abnormalities with normal imaging: Is clinically guided biopsy still required?

To determine the need for a fine-needle or core biopsy in patients with clinically palpable breast abnormalities who have negative mammographic and sonographic findings. Over a 12-year period, 251 patients with a palpable abnormality at presentation and who had a negative ultrasound and mammogram underwent clinically guided biopsy (CGB) by breast surgeons. This was 2.7% (251/9313) of all breast biopsies performed from January 1999 to December 2010. Physical findings were qualitatively categorized into five groups as clinically "normal", "benign", "probably benign", "suspicious", and "malignant" at the time of initial assessment. The number of biopsies for each category and biopsy results were analysed retrospectively. Three (1.2%) of the 251 CGBs were reported as malignant; two (0.8%) of which were invasive. Forty-six (18.3%) of the 251 cases were regarded as clinically suspicious or malignant while the remaining 215 examinations were categorized as benign or probably benign. All three malignancies were in the clinically suspicious or malignant group. A negative ultrasound and mammogram in patients with a palpable abnormality does not exclude breast cancer; however, the likelihood is very low (1.2%). In this study, 81.7% of biopsies (205/251) could have been avoided if CGB was reserved for the clinically suspicious or malignant group only without missing any malignancies.

PCN152 Can Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Reduce the Risks of False Negative and False Positive Screening Mammograms?

PCN152 Can Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Reduce the Risks of False Negative and False Positive Screening Mammograms?

Characteristics of breast cancers detected by ultrasound screening in women with negative mammograms

Screening ultrasound (US) can increase the detection of breast cancer. However, little is known about the clinicopathologic characteristics of breast cancers detected by screening US. A search of the database for patients with breast cancer yielded a dataset in 6837 women who underwent breast surgery at Seoul National University Hospital (Korea). Of 6837 women, 1047 were asymptomatic and had a non-palpable cancer. Two hundred fifty-four women with 256 cancers detected by US (US-detected cancer) and 793 women with 807 cancers detected by mammography (MG-detected cancer) were identified. The imaging, clinicopathologic, and molecular data were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out. Women with US-detected cancer were younger and were more likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery and to have node-negative invasive cancer (P < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, the significant independent characteristics were tumor size, mammographic density, final assessment category according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and molecular subtype. Compared to tumors that were > 2 cm in size, tumors that were ≤ 1 cm in size were 2.2-fold more likely to be US-detected cancers (P = 0.02). Compared to the luminal A subtype tumors (estrogen receptor [ER]+, PR+, HER2-), luminal B subtype tumors (ER+, PR+, HER2+) were less likely to be in the US-detected cancer group (P < 0.01). Women with dense breasts were more likely to have US-detected cancer (P < 0.01) versus those with non-dense breasts. Screening US-detected cancers were less likely to be diagnosed as category 5 instead of category 4 (P < 0.01). In conclusion, women with US-detected breast cancer are more likely to have small-sized invasive cancer and more likely associated with the luminal A subtype.

Cancer causes &amp; control

We would like to submit this brief manuscript as a letter for publication in CCC. Lowery et al. [1] sought to document the incidence of breast cancer during the year following a negative mammogram so as to facilitate identification of high-risk women who may benefit from increased surveillance. For women as a whole and for subgroups defined by demographic and clinical characteristics, they wished to accomplish the important goal of providing information about the true burden of breast cancer.

Tumor Characteristics Associated With Mammographic Detection of Breast Cancer in the Ontario Breast Screening Program

Few studies have compared the prognostic value of tumor characteristics by type of breast cancer diagnosed in the interval between mammographic screenings with screen-detected breast cancers. We conducted a case-case study within the cohort of women (n = 431 480) in the Ontario Breast Screening Program who were aged 50 years and older and were screened between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2002. Interval cancers, defined as breast cancers diagnosed within 24 months after a negative screening mammogram, were designated as true interval cancers (n = 288) or missed interval cancers (n = 87) if they were not identified at the time of screening but were identified in retrospect. Screen-detected breast cancers (n = 450) were selected to match interval cancers. Tumors were evaluated for stage, grade, mitotic index, histology, and expression of hormone receptors and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by conditional logistic regression. Both true and missed interval cancers were of higher stage and grade than matched screen-detected breast cancers. However, true interval cancers had a higher mitotic index (OR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.81 to 5.42), a higher percentage of nonductal histology (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.05 to 3.59), and were more likely to be both estrogen receptor-negative (OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.32 to 3.30) and progesterone receptor-negative (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.68 to 3.70) compared with matched screen-detected tumors. In this study, interval cancers were of higher stage and grade compared with screen-detected cancers. True interval cancers were more likely to have additional adverse prognostic features of estrogen and progesterone receptor negativity and nonductal morphology. The findings suggest a need for more sensitive screening modalities to detect true interval breast cancers and different approaches for early detection of fast-growing tumors.

The Utility of Breast MRI as a Problem-Solving Tool

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used as a problem-solving tool, but its benefit for this indication remains unclear. The records of 3001 consecutive breast MR examinations between January 1, 2003 and June 6, 2007 were reviewed to identify all those performed for the clinical indication of problem solving. Details of clinical presentation, mammography and ultrasound (US) findings, follow-up recommendations, and pathology outcomes were recorded. Benign versus malignant outcomes were determined by biopsy or 12 months of follow-up imaging and linkage with the regional tumor registry. Problem solving was the clinical indication for 204 of 3001 (7%) of all examinations. Forty-two of 204 examinations (21%) had suspicious or highly suspicious MRI assessments with recommendation for biopsy and 62 of 204 (79%) examinations were assessed as negative, benign, or probably benign. Thirty-six biopsies were performed based on MRI findings and 14 cancers were diagnosed. Biopsy was indicated for 11 of 14 (79%) cancers based on suspicious mammographic or US findings identified prior to MRI. One incidental cancer was detected by MRI alone in a patient at high risk for breast cancer, and two cancers were detected in patients with suspicious nipple discharge and negative mammogram and US. A single false-negative MRI occurred in a patient whose evaluation for a palpable lump prompted biopsy. Problem-solving breast MRI rarely identifies otherwise occult cancer and can be falsely negative in patients with suspicious findings on mammogram and US. Until the benefits and risks of problem-solving MRI are clarified, it should be used judiciously.

A Method For Improve Preprocessing Images Mammography

A great volume of mammography images have dark background, these parts are not important in processing of mammography images. We can decrease the picture size and increase the processing speed by deleting these parts. Some parts of images have some notes and labels which consist of information like name, family, hospital's seal, date and…. It is better to omit these labels before processing since they are bright; the same as gray level of some breast tissues and have the same gray level. In the other way it is better to limit processing to the breast region and omit excessive parts. Previous studies over breast tissues show that if the considered region has not been marked clearly, it will influence characteristics and will not give the desired result. For obtaining this aim first find the main breast region, and then omit excessive parts to obtain processing result accurately and rapidly. The work that we do in this paper is introduced in three phases. The first phase is omitting the excessive image parts which are in the two sides of the image; we do this work by the usage of the pixels brightness. The second phase is the distinction of the breast direction and put all images in one direction; we do this work by the usage of threshold limit of gray level of the two halves of the image. The third phase is the breast region segmentation from the background; we do this work by the usage of series of point operations and the growing region method and the result has been reported to 99%. false negative mammograms (28). It has been shown that an independent second reading of mammograms improves the sensitivity of mammography by as much as 15% (29). Computerized analysis of mammograms has been envisaged as a means of providing a emulated secon- opinion (30), improving consistency by providing a standardized approach lo mammogram interpretation, and increasing detection sensitivity. Computer- Aided Detection (CADe) is the process of identifying potential abnormalities withm a mammogram, classifying regions of a mammogram as positive or negative. CADe systems use image processing algorithms to analyze mammograms for possible abnormalities including masses, microcalcifications, distortions in breast architecture, and symmetric densities. AAer an initial examination of the mammographic images, a radiologist reviews suspicious regions prompted by the CADe system and determines whether they warrant further follow-up. The CADe system assists the radiologist by confirming the detection of suspicious regions or identifying those that might otherwise have been missed. The precise segmentation of the breast region in mammograms is an essential preprocessing step in the computerized analysis of mammograms. It allows the search for abnormalities to be limited to the region of the breast without undue influence from the background of the mammogram. It also facilitates enhancements to techniques such as comparative analysis, which includes the automated comparison of corresponding mammograms. The breast boundary contains significant information relating to the deformation between two mammograms and is the source of information for relating the position of the nipple relative to the skin surface.

Abstract P5-01-13: The Clinical Role and Cost Effectiveness of Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) in the Management of Patients with Negative or Indeterminate Mammographic and Sonographic Findings and an Unresolved Diagnostic Concern

Abstract Background: BSGI is a molecular imaging technique increasingly used to aid in the management of patients with negative or indeterminate mammograms and an unresolved clinical concern such as indeterminate densities, new vague calcifications, bloody nipple discharge, focal breast pain or palpable masses; especially in those of elevated risk and patients with dense breast tissue. Purpose: This study examines the role and cost effectiveness of BSGI in providing additional information when conventional imaging is indeterminate and greater confidence is required to improve diagnostic accuracy. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients in our practice for whom BSGI was recommended due to an unresolved clinical concern following negative (BI-RADS 1 or2), indeterminate (BI-RADS 0 or 3), or discordant findings on mammography (MMG) or ultrasound (US). For all modalities, the radiologist had the patient's history and imaging studies available to them at the time of interpretation. BSGI studies were classified as negative (BI-RADS 0-3) or positive (BI-RADS 4-5). Biopsy or follow up imaging was performed as recommended by the radiologist. Pathology or 6 month follow up imaging was used as the gold standard and were classified as negative (benign pathology or no evidence of malignancy on follow up imaging) or positive (biopsy proven cancer). Results: There were 95 patients with 102 regions of concern, yielding 15 biopsy proven malignant lesions and 87 benign findings on pathology or follow up imaging. BSGI was positive in 12 malignant and 33 benign lesions and negative in 54 benign lesions, yielding a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 62%. The negative predictive value of BSGI in this population was 95%. Conclusion: BSGI contributed significantly to patient management by detecting cancer in 12 of the 95 patients (12.6%). The Medicare reimbursement rate for BSGI in our area is $203.26. Therefore the cost per cancer diagnosis in this population was approximately $1,608.35. If these patients had been sent for breast MRI, $1,026.38 Medicare locally, the cost per diagnosis would rise to $8,129.07. BSGI is a useful, cost effective, complimentary tool in the diagnostic work up of patients when a diagnostic concern remains after negative or indeterminate conventional imaging. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-13.

Circulating levels of inflammatory markers and mammographic density among postmenopausal women

Mammographic density is strongly associated with breast cancer risk. Inflammation is involved in breast carcinogenesis, perhaps through effects on mammographic density. We evaluated associations between inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and mammographic density among postmenopausal women. Plasma IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels were measured in 145 women with benign breast disease (benign controls) and 397 women with a negative screening mammogram (well controls) enrolled in the Mammograms and Masses Study. Associations between the inflammatory markers and mammographic density were evaluated separately for benign and well controls through correlation analyses and linear regressions. Age-adjusted mean CRP levels were higher among benign controls (2.07 μg/ml) compared to well controls (1.63 μg/ml; P = 0.02), while IL-6 and TNF-α levels were similar between groups. Using linear regression, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP were not statistically significantly associated with dense breast area within either group. Statistically significant positive associations were observed between all three markers and nondense breast area in both groups; statistically significant negative associations were observed between IL-6 and percent density among benign controls, and between all three markers and percent density among well controls. These associations were all attenuated and non-significant upon adjustment for body mass index. IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels were not independently associated with dense breast area, nondense breast area, or percent density in this study population. Our results suggest that these inflammatory factors do not impact breast carcinogenesis through independent effects on mammographic density.

Features of Prospectively Overlooked Computer-Aided Detection Marks on Prior Screening Digital Mammograms in Women With Breast Cancer

The purpose of this article is to describe the features of prospectively overlooked computer-aided detection (CAD) marks on prior screening digital mammograms for women with breast cancer. A CAD system embedded in a digital mammography system was prospectively applied to 50,100 screening mammograms between December 2003 and December 2006. Each mammogram was originally interpreted by one of five radiologists using the CAD information. Seventy-five mammogram pairs of prior negative screening mammograms and subsequent mammograms of developed cancers were collected. Visible findings and their actionability were determined by three blinded radiologists. All CAD marks, both true-positive and false-positive, and the number of marked views for the visible findings on prior mammograms were analyzed. Of the 75 areas where cancer later developed, 61% (46/75) of mammograms had visible findings (21 masses, 17 microcalcifications, and eight masses with microcalcifications). Of these visible findings, 46% (21/46) were determined to be actionable, and 54% (25/46) were underthreshold. The CAD system had correctly depicted 74% (34/46) of the visible findings-52% (11/21) of masses, 94% (16/17) of microcalcifications, and 88% (7/8) of masses with microcalcifications. Actionable findings showed higher CAD sensitivity than did underthreshold findings (90% [19/21] vs 60% [15/25]; p = 0.04) and were more often marked on both views (58% [11/19] vs 27% [4/15]; p = 0.09). The average number of false-positive marks per case was 1.61. On prior screening digital mammograms, the CAD system had correctly marked 74% (34/46) of visible findings and 90% (19/21) of actionable findings. The actionable findings showed significantly higher CAD sensitivity and were marked on both mammographic views more often than the underthreshold findings were.

Association of diagnostic work-up with subsequent attendance in a breast cancer screening program for false-positive cases

The objective of this study is to determine whether the likelihood of returning for routine breast cancer screening differed for false-positive cases depending on the diagnostic work-up. Using the original data from a French population-based breast cancer screening program, we compared the attendance rates at the subsequent round of screening for 16,946 and 1,127 participants who received negative (i.e., American College of Radiology, ACR, categories 1-2) and false-positive mammograms, respectively. False-positive mammograms were categorized ACR 0 (i.e., warranting additional imaging evaluation), 3 (i.e., warranting clinical and imaging follow-up), and 4-5 (i.e., warranting biopsy). We estimated the odds ratios of attendance at subsequent screening round using logistic regression, adjusting for age and history of previous mammography. The attendance rates at the subsequent screening round were 80.6% for women who received negative mammograms versus 69.6, 74.3, and 70.1% for women who received false-positive mammograms warranting additional imaging evaluation, clinical and imaging follow-up, or biopsy, respectively. In comparison to women who received negative mammograms, the corresponding adjusted odds ratios of returning for routine screening were 0.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-0.8], 0.8 (95% CI 0.6-0.9), and 0.6 (95% CI 0.4-0.8). No significant differences were found in odds ratios of attendance across ACR categories among women who received false-positive mammograms. Similar figures were observed for attending at least one of the two subsequent screening rounds. In conclusion, in comparison to women with normal or benign findings on index mammograms, false-positive cases warranting additional imaging evaluation, clinical and imaging follow-up, or biopsy had uniformly decreased odds of attending subsequent routine screening rounds.

Mammography Decision Making in Older Women With a Breast Cancer Family History

This study's purpose is to describe and explain how women 55 years of age and older with a family history of breast cancer make screening mammography decisions. A qualitative design based on grounded theory. This purposeful sample consisted of 23 women 55 years of age or older with one more first-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 23 women 55 years of age and older with a family history of breast cancer using a semistructured interview guide. Transcribed interview data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis to identify the conditions, actions, and consequences associated with participant's screening mammography decision making. Women reported becoming aware of their breast cancer risk usually due to a triggering event such as having a family member diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in women "guarding against cancer." Women's actions included having mammograms, getting health check-ups, having healthy behaviors, and being optimistic. Most women reported extraordinary faith in mammography, often ignoring negative mammogram information. A negative mammogram gave women peace of mind and assurance that breast cancer was not present. Being called back for additional mammograms caused worry, especially with delayed results. The "guarding against cancer" theory needs to be tested in other at-risk populations and ultimately used to test strategies that promote cancer screening decision making and the adoption of screening behaviors in those at increased risk for developing cancer. Women 55 years of age and older with a breast cancer family history need timely mammogram results, mammography reminders, and psychosocial support when undergoing a mammography recall or other follow-up tests.